Teaching Adults

ID : 32245

Description: The way you teach is as important as what you teach. If you are interested in working with adult learners, our course will provide you with a better understanding of what it takes to aid in the education of working professional adult students. Today, teaching requires more creativity and understanding. Instructors need to be aware of the diversity of adult learners and instructors must retain a greater depth of skills than ever before. In this course, you will learn how to use the most current methods in adult learning to give you the confidence you need to succeed and overcome the challenges that accompanies the adult learner.

Instructor Description: This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.

RequirementsInternet Access

Broadband or high-speed internet access is required. Broadband includes DSL, cable, and wireless connections.Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Moodle pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.Hardware

Windows hardware configurations and processors are acceptableMac computers MUST have Microsoft Window Operating Systems over Bootcamp (Bootcamp is a free download from Apple''s website)1 GB RAM minimum recommendedOperating SystemsWindows XP, Vista or 7 and Mac OS X 10 or higher with WindowsWeb BrowsersGoogle Chrome is highly recommendedInternet Explorer is not recommended as it may not display certain menus and linksCookies MUST be enabledPop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded onto your computer.)Adobe PDF ReaderMedia Plug-ins (These may be required depending on your course media.)Adobe Flash Player (Required for many of our career courses and ALL of our IT courses.)Adobe Acrobat Reader, Apple Quicktime, Windows Media Player, &/or Real PlayerPowerPoint Viewer (Use this if you don''t have PowerPoint)

Adult learning begins with a student who has a desire for new knowledge or a need for new experience. Module one will guide instructors to help facilitate students with this journey through a partnership. With adult learners there is an active dual participation in the learning process. We will look at how different types of presentation methods to use in the adult learning environment. Also included in module one is the responsibility of the instructor to create a respectful environment that encourages diversity and overcomes personal biases and stereotypes.

Traditionally, lecturing has been the most popular teaching method at colleges and universities. In module two, we will look at the different types of lecturing methods and the pros and cons with each. When you hear the word “lecture,” you think “boring” or “nap time.” However, we will look at ways to incorporate visual aids and other tools, to create dimension in your lecture. Also included in module two is how you communicate with your students. What are you displaying by your eye contact, body movement, and gestures? Being aware of your physical communication will greatly improve your course lectures. The Case Study Method is also discussed in module two. Using the Case Study Method will allow students to partner with their instructor in applying concepts and principles they are studying. We will explore these types of cases and how to best facilitate each.

Types of LecturesAdvantages and Disadvantages of the Lecture MethodResources, Tools, and the PresentationTypes of Cases and Benefits of EachFacilitating the CaseTeaching Adults Module 3The Teaching Interview and Experiential Methods of Teaching

The Teaching Interview Method of teaching allows for controlled conversation aimed at achieving new objectives. Module three will look at the benefits gained by using this type of facilitation in your class and will also discuss how to “let go” of your authority and allow a give and take type of instruction it requires. Exploring the Experimental Methods of Teaching is also included in module three. These fun to use and relatively easy to administer exercises require the instructor to be thoughtful, but also allows for fun student/instructor interaction.

New instructors are not always trained in how to ask questions. Module four will examine how to form the right questions that lead to more student learning. Asking questions can be the largest producer in encouraging student thinking. Feedback reassures students to work harder and in module four, we will look at the best way to give and receive effective feedback. Self-confidence closely tracks how students learn, accomplish, and behave. As an instructor, you have the power to increase or decrease student self-confidence. Module four identifies the activities you can take to develop the adult learner confidence in their academic capability.

The Power of QuestionsEffective Questioning TechniquesEncouraging ParticipationCharacteristics of Effective FeedbackInspiring Adult Learners